Real Madrid striker talks down Champions League final opponents Atletico ahead of Saturday's showdown
Gareth Bale
Madrid: Real Madrid striker Gareth Bale has fired the first salvo at Champions League final opponents Atletico Madrid.
Gareth Bale
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The Welsh forward in an interaction with Spanish media after a training session here recently said that none of Atletico Madrid's players would make it to Real Madrid's playing XI.
Madrid derby
Real and Atletico clash on Saturday to decide Europe's top club, and it is the second time in three years that the premier club competition is being decided by a Madrid derby.
Bale scored in Real's 4-1 win in Portugal's capital Lisbon in 2014 — the victory gave Real helped Real achieve the prestigious 'La Decima' — their 10th European Cup.
Two-point deficit
This season Atletico have finished only two points behind Real in the Spanish League but Bale is certain not a single player from Diego Simeone's outfit would get into the Real side.
"For me, no Atletico player would feature in Real Madrid's team. Real Madrid are better in all positions," said Bale, while speaking to Spanish reporters here.
Bale said he expected the final to be a tough battle against a "physical" Atletico outfit.
"It will be difficult, but we will fight until the final minute for the win. We know that we can do it. We're confident, but it will be a difficult match against a great team like Atletico.
The super striker also admitted that Atletico will be strong in defence. "We have to be patient because they defend very well. We must wait for our chance and when we create them, be accurate in front of goal.
'Hope I can score'
About his own form and fitness, he said: "I feel good and I'm really looking forward to Saturday. The team is calm, enjoying training and working hard. We think we can win and we'll try to lift the 'Undecima.'
And as for his own contribution in terms of goals, the Welshman added: "I've scored goals in finals, but I don't know what the secret to it is. In a final, everyone looks to give the best of themselves and I hope on Saturday I can get a goal and it's enough to win the title. We must thank the fans for their support and what I want is to win the Champions League to make the fans happy."
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